Macclesfield FC bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the Fourth Round stage on Monday night following a narrow 1-0 loss to Brentford, which saw the dreams of a Fifth Round tie away at West Ham United slip out of sight.
There’s no shame for John Rooney’s battle hardy squad though, and the Silkmen can hold their heads high, throwing everything at their opponents and fighting for an equaliser up to the dying seconds. Despite the Silkmen’s best efforts, it was Brentford who ultimately secured qualification to progress to face West Ham in the Emirates FA Cup 5th round. But take nothing away from the Silkmen, it was a performance to be proud of that leaves a legacy for a new generation as a phoenix club.
The opening five minutes saw Macclesfield start strong and come alive in an electric atmosphere, winning free kicks and corners in quick succession, amidst the battles for arial duels in front of a full capacity crowd at the Leasing.com stadium.
It didn’t take long for Brentford to put on the pressure, as in the 9th minute saw Borthwick-Jackson make a clearance off the line. Moments later Luke Duffy responded with a shot on goal, though fired over the crossbar and into the Silkmen Terrace North holding over 1,300 away fans. The first big chance of the game came for Macclesfield in the 18th minute with Captain Paul Dawson drilling a low ball just inches wide of the far corner, firing a warning shot to Brentford’s defence.
Vitaly Janelt received the first card in the 21st minute for a late challenge on Luke Duffy, before the resulting free kick landed comfortably in the arms of goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson. By the 29th minute Brentford had adapted to the nature of the occasion, exploiting space and stretching Macclesfield’s back line. Romelle Donavon speed cut the Macclesfield midfield open, and Kaye Furo made a clever near post run slipping through the backline though he failed to put his name on the scoresheet when he headed the cross over the bar.
Brentford’s first big chance came in the 36th minute with winger Reiss Nelson expected to bury a close range shot but instead was denied by keeper Max Dearnley in a remarkable save to the relief of those in blue in the tight surrounding stands of the Leasing.stadium. The first half finished goalless after two minutes of additional time, with the Silkmen holding their own, giving back as good as they got.
The second half started with both teams looking to break the deadlock. Brentford introduced fresh legs in the 61st minute as they searched for an opener, swapping out Reiss Nelson for Keane Lewis-Potter.
Less than seven minutes later Macclesfield made their first change as Isaac Buckley-Ricketts replaced James Gale as John Rooney opted for a different option going forward for the remainder of the evening.
In the midst of the initial switch, Lewis Fensome was deemed unable to continue having suffered a hamstring strain, and left the field to raptures of applause having played a key part in the Silkmen’s Cup success to date. Luke Matheson prepared himself to take Fensome’s place as the game restarted with Macc briefly down to ten men.
It was during this stage that the Brentford pressure naturally intensified with Lewis-Potter and Donovan exploiting the wings, but it was a dangerous cross from the right where Macc were momentarily disadvantaged, from Aaron Hickey in the 70th minute that Sam Heathcote attempted to clear, though heartbreakingly headed in to own goal. The devastation was evident to see in Heathcote, but his teammates were quick to rally around him and the Silkmen came back swinging, giving the Silkmen faithful something to believe in.
Macclesfield were eventually able to bring on Luke Matheson without a break in play prior whilst Brentford swapped out Kaye Furo for Dango Ouattara.
The Silkmen continued to show grit in the 81st minute with D’Mani Mellor managing to produce two shots in quick succession that were well blocked by the bees, as the Brentford fans nervously watched the clock.
Tempers flared as the game became increasingly physical and the clock ticked down. Bookings were handed out to Yehor Yarmoliuk and Paul Dawson respectively, whilst James Edmondson was also booked for an alleged dive inside the area, as he appeared to be pulled back upon attempting to connect with a Buckley-Ricketts cross.
A dangerous cross into the box soon after ricocheted off Aaron Hickeys arm, and despite penalty appeals from those in favour of the Silkmen, the referee determined Hickey’s arm was in a natural position.
Despite the sheer determination of the Silkmen and a performance full of heart, intensity and belief, Brentford did their utmost to tire out the Silkmen, controlling both possession and the tempo as the tie reached its conclusion.
After five minutes of additional time the final whistle blew, and with it the end of the Silkmen’s fairytale Emirates FA Cup run at the hands of Premier League Brentford.
116 places may separate the two teams, but just one goal and a moment of bad luck spared the blushes of Brentford. The fans responded in kind, rewarding their players with a standing ovation; admiration even came from Brentford manager Kieth Andrews who delivered a powerful speech to The Silkmen’s dressing room, honouring their valiant efforts post-match.
Not even in the wildest dreams of any Macclesfield fan could they imagine seeing their beloved football club playing in the proper rounds of the Emirates FA Cup, never mind facing two Premier league giants in the space of a month, nearly 6 years after expulsion from the English Football League.
This is the magic of the cup and in it a new generation of Silkmen heroes are born. The fans, the staff, the players – all who make up the heart and soul of Macclesfield Football Club know there’s no time for bitterness and regret. Just admiration, pride and respect.
Attendance: 5,348
Kathryn McCormick
